For those who have read and watched my previous review of Bose’s QuietComfort2, you would have known about my decision to swap it for the newer QuietComfort15 (QC15) for the better noise canceling. Don’t get me wrong. I was very happy with the QC2 headphones but I really wanted the better noise canceling so I went ahead to swap it (pay the extra) for the newer QC15.

I chose the “around the ear” headphones that the QC2 and QC15 over the QC3 “on the ear” headphone mainly because I felt that those that cup and cover the ears will likely offer better noise canceling in comparison to those that rest lightly on the ears. If nothing else, the cup design will likely at least “block out” some of the noise while with those that sit on the ears, will only cancel and block out noise that reaches the earphone. The noise that bounces off the other areas of the ear like the lobes will not be blocked out. Yes, I’m getting picky but I thought I’d provide my reasoning for choosing the QC2/QC15 over the QC3. Also, in doing my noise canceling test, it would be much trickier to do with the QC3.

QC2 Mobile Communications Kit on QC2 and QC15 headphones

Please keep in mind that the QC15 will be very similar to the QC2 so it may be best if you read my previous review of Bose’s QuietComfort2 as it also contains some information on the headphones that I may not discuss here plus some information on the mobile communications kit for cellphones, smarpthones, iPods (enabling you to use the QC headphones with your mobile cell or smartphone). The mobile communications kit for the QC2 will also work perfectly well with the QC15, although the color of the plug may not match nearly as well, since the QC2 was more gray in color while the QC15 was black.

The Bose QuietComfort line of noise canceling headphones is well known in the world of headphones. Think of all those Bose QuietComfort headphone commercials you see on TV and even if you haven’t tried it yourself, at least you are aware of its existence.

One common misconception about the Bose QuietComfort headphones is that they will CANCEL OUT ALL NOISE so that you hear nothing when you put on the headphone. NO. Putting on the headphones and turning on the noise canceling feature DOES NOT block or cancel out all noise but rather REDUCE IT to a much lower level that may be more acceptable and in some cases, hardly noticeable. That is what I can honestly say about these headphones; they reduce noise but not all noise. For more information on what I mean, either continue reading this review or check out my previous review on the Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones for the sound test recording I made showing how it works. Or, continue reading and I will provide some more test recordings with both the QC2 and QC15 to provide you with a much better idea and comparison. Keep in mind it’s a very crude method of testing but it seems to show how the background noise is reduced.

Although you may argue that you can easily invest in those industrial use foam ear plugs to block out noise but then, would you be able to listen to music with it in your ear? Or, you can get those specialized earplugs designed for your ears with the built-in audio jack plugs but then, I would think that they would be much more expensive than the QuietComfort headphones. I think that if you want to be able to comfortably enjoy your favorite music (or radio if you have the mobile kit) and wish to reduce the background noise around you, that the Bose QuietComfort headphones may be your best bet.

There are currently two main versions of the Bose QuietComfort headphones currently available: the QuietComfort 15 which replaces the QuietComfort 2 (discontinued) is the “around the ear” headphone which cups and completely covers the ear completely, and the Bose QuietComfort 3, the “on the ear” headphone which rests lightly on your ears, and slightly smaller, lighter and uses a proprietary lithium Ion battery as opposed to a AAA battery on the QC2 and QC15.

Click on the images below for a larger picture:

The QuietComfort 15 as the current replacement for the now discontinued QuietComfort 2 headphones, is very much like the QuietComfort 2 headphone that I previously reviewed but with some slight changes in the package. The L and R on the left and right side of the headband is now uncolored, or in black, the same color as the rest of the headband. On the QC2, they were in silvery white and easier to notice with the contrast in color. As mentioned in the review, the QuietComfort 15 package is missing some accessories that previously came with the QuietComfort 2 package: home stereo adapter plug (1/4″), extension cable, carrying strap. Although these accessories are nice to have, if you take into account the better noise canceling technology in the QuietComfort 15, you may find that it’s well worth the loss of those accessories.

The carrying case for the QuietComfort 15 is also a bit different. The shape of the case is now more like the Omega symbol and has a distinctive, carved and shaped design. It also opens in a flip style, similar to flip style cases for smartphones with the flap opening down. The zipper starts at the lower left and zips all around up around the top and finishes at the lower right to open the case with the flap flipping down. The QuietComfort 2 in comparison, opens up book style starting near the top side of the curved left area, up and around to the bottom left with the flap opening left like in a book. Gone are the side loop rings for the carrying strap found on the QC2 case, the QC15 has a single nylon loop. There’s still the elastic pouch at the back of the case which is very handy to have for carrying other items with you like an iPod or mp3 player. But for those who are familiar with the packaging of the QC2, you may be slightly disappointed with the newer packaging.

Inside the case, for those who have seen the package of the QC2, will be slightly disappointed in the courtesy card holder, at least, I was. The previous courtesy card holder found on the QC2 looked like a faux leather luggage tag (side opened) completely backed with the rough or hook velcro side. On the QC15, the courtesy card holder is now a translucent soft plastic (top opened) slip card holder. What makes it look cheaper in comparison is the two thin strips of the rough hook velcro stuck on the back, rather than having it fully backed like it was on the QC2. Those who are not familiar with the previous package on the QC 2 won’t think much about it, but it does look very cheap and makes the QC15 look like a downgrade from the QC2. That is, in my view.

On the other side of the case, things are looking more similar. There’s still the zipped mesh pouch/pocket for small items like batteries, etc and the headphone is fitted in with earcup molds to keep its shape while inside the case. Of course, as mentioned, it only comes with the headphone audio cable and the airline audio adapter. No carrying strap, home stereo adapter or extension cable which were previously included in the QC2 package. Again, these are minor when you factor in the better noise canceling.

As for the noise canceling feature which is the main focus of this headphone, it seems to be remarkably much better on the QC15. At the sides of the earcups, you’ll notice three small holes which are microphones which will detect the background noise and will help to enhance the noise canceling. From what I’ve noticed, the noise canceling is much better as noise that I previously noticed while wearing my QC2 weren’t even detectable. The battery cover and the ON/OFF switch for the headphone is exactly where it was on the QC2. However, the LED light is now GREEN instead of RED (on the QC2) when turned on. Some background noise does seem to be reduced to a level that is almost too faint to hear. I was quite surprised that the TV noise from another room was reduced so well that I couldn’t hear it at all. It certainly wasn’t possible on the QC2 as I tested both of them one after the other.

Please continue reading for more information on the newer QC15 headphones and what I thought about it.

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For those who want to skip over all the detailed review and just want a summary, you can jump to the review summary

Specs and Details

Product Description

QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones

* Our best headphones reduce more noise across a wider range of frequencies
* Enjoy your music and movies even more, with clear and lifelike sound
* Comfortable, around-the-ear fit
* AAA battery: 35 hours average life
* Ideal for frequent flyers

The headphones that pioneered an industry are now even better.

New QuietComfort 15 headphones feature exclusive Bose® advancements in noise reduction technology. You hear less noise than ever before, and even more of your music and movies. With the quality sound you expect from Bose. And a lightweight fit that stays comfortable for hours. It’s a combination of benefits unmatched in the industry.

Quieter than ever before

We were the first to introduce noise cancelling headphones over 20 years ago, for use specifically on airplanes. And we’ve continuously improved the technology since then.

New QC®15 headphones significantly reduce even more noise across the full spectrum of human hearing. Advanced electronics now use microphones both inside and outside each earcup to sense and reduce more of the sounds around you.

QC15 headphones also feature improvements to our proprietary ear cushion technology, further reducing unwanted noise. New cushion materials now block more noise before it enters the earcups, delivering an even quieter listening experience and a comfortable fit.

Features

QC15 headphones feature significantly improved noise reduction

Significantly improved noise reduction across a wider range of frequencies. Proprietary Bose innovations now use microphones both inside and outside each earcup to sense and reduce more of the sounds around you.
QC15 redesigned ear cushions further reduce noise

Redesigned ear cushions use new materials in a proprietary design to establish a critical acoustical seal—helping to further reduce noise while providing a comfortable fit.
Bose noise cancelling headphones feature TriPort acoustic headphone structure

TriPort® acoustic headphone structure, another Bose exclusive, features tiny vents in the earcups to enable a tonally-balanced audio performance—including reproduction of deep, low notes—from relatively small and lightweight headphones.
Active EQ electronically fine-tunes the headphones’ frequency response to deliver outstanding sound

Active equalization electronically tunes the headphones’ frequency response, enabling outstanding audio performance.
Single, detachable audio cable for greater convenience

Single, detachable audio cable offers greater convenience than standard Y-cables.
Fold-flat earcups for easy storage and portability in included case

Fold-flat earcups rotate 90 degrees for easy storage and portability in the included case.
Portable carrying case protects your QuietComfort headphones and accessories

Slim carrying case helps protect headphones and accessories during travel.

Dimensions

Overall headphone dimensions

7.5″H x 6.5″W ( 19 cm x 16.5 cm )
Ear cushion outside dimensions

3.75″H x 3″W ( 9.5 cm x 7.6 cm )
Weight with cables

7.3 oz (207.5 g)

In the box:

QuietComfort 15 headphone

detachable audio cable

AAA battery

airline adapter

carrying case

For those who are interested in the diffferences between the QC15 (around the ear headphones) and the QC3 (on the ear headphones), there’s also a comparison chart between the QC15 around the ear headphones and QC3 on the ear headphones. Click here for the comparison chart.

Manual/User Guides

You can download and read the manuals (in pdf format). These are direct links to the pdf files from Bose’s website.

QC2 user guide/manual pdf (discontinued)

QC15 user guide/manual

QC3 user guide/manual

Click on the thumbnail images for a bigger picture

Slideshow of above pictures

Side By Side Comparison pictures of the QC2 and QC15

Can you guess which one is which? Answer below the pictures. Don’t peek!

In many of the pictures except the one where the headphones are placed horizontally, the QC2 is the one on the left and QC15 on the right. What gives it away is the lack of the QuietComfort 15 on the lower side of the earcups, the earcup foam and the microphones on the earcups.

Slideshow of the above pictures

Product Video

Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones video review at YouTube

Side-by-side comparison of the Bose QuietComfort 2 and QuietComfort 15 headphones video

Test recording of the QC15 headphones

The test recordings were done on my computer using Audacity with USB Fever’s Right Angled Microphone (test 2 used this mic) and Hyundai Mini Microphone (test 1 used this mic). The recordings were exported as WAV files and are fully unaltered. The tests for the QC2 (I think) were done with the Right Angled Microphone.

I’ve done a recording of the QC 15 headphones wrapped around an external microphone on my laptop with a noisy fan running in the background in a noise canceling test for the QC15 similar to the tests I did for the QC2. Mind you, this is a crude method of recording but I wanted to be able to give you an idea of how well headphones worked with respect to reducing background noise.

Test recording of QuietComfort 2 headphones

For comparison, here are TEST 1 and TEST 2 for the QC2 headphones.

Test recording of QuietComfort 15 headphones

Click here to either download or listen to the recording (WAV) file of the Bose QC15 headphones

In the second one, I pretty much did the same except with a different set of microphone, showing how the noise sounds with the headphones without noise canceling, then with it and finally with some music playing. Click here for the second (WAV) recording

Since my tests were done at a different time, I decided to do another test where I compare both the QuietComfort 2 and QuietComfort 15 at the same time and hopefully provide you with a much better comparison.

Razor noise test on QC2 and QC15

Here’s a recording done with both headphones. In this recording, I turned on an electric razor and had both QC15 and QC2 go through the noise canceling test. Click here for the razor test and see how both headphones do.

Wind test on QC2 and QC15

As I’ve mentioned, it seems that the QC15 picks up the wind noise much more than the QC2. In this test, I set up a fan blowing against the headphone with the microphone inside and tested how both headphones fared with a fan blowing at the earcups from different positions. You may be surprised by the results.

Click here for the wind test recording

Here are my observations:

I Liked:

Better noise canceling feature

The QC15 lives up to the statement that it offers much better noise canceling than its predecessor, QC2. I am amazed that a lot of the background noise is dramatically reduced. As you may have noticed in my test recordings, especially the ones where I could test both the QC2 and QC15 right after each other on the same recording, you can definitely tell the difference, especially the test with the razor. I am quite amazed.

Quality sound

The same quality sound I expected on the QC2 is found on the QC15 and I was able to enjoy it in the same way. The nuances and sounds I didn’t notice before in songs I’ve listened to for years comes out when putting the headphone on.

Soft memory foam on earcups

The earcups are now fitted with soft memory foam, which is supposed to better conform to your ears and head, sealing the ears much better. I didn’t really notice that much difference in terms of the feel of the cups on my head but I’m sure others may notice it.

Single cable design

The same single cable design which I like is still there in the QC15. This prevents the typical problems I tend to have with the Y design when putting on the headphones.

Airline audio adapter included

The only extra accessory that the QC15 comes with, since it is a headphone for travelers, is the airline audio adapter. On the QC2, it also included the carrying strap, extension cable and home stereo audio adapter which is not found in the QC15 package.

Uses AAA battery

The noise canceling is powered by a single AAA battery and lasts for over 35 hours. Unlike the QC3 which uses a proprietary rechargeable battery, you can easily buy a AAA battery should you run out of battery. Or pack along an extra rechargeable AAA battery with travel charger to save money. I’d much prefer this over the propriety rechargeable battery on the QC3.

I Didn’t Like:

Must be turned on for music listening

Similar to my sentiment on the QC2, I didn’t like having to “turn on” the headphones and use the AAA battery when I want to listen to music regardless of whether I want the noise canceling or not. Unfortunately, there is no option to listen to the music without turning on the headphones. This is something that I’m not happy about.

Not wireless

The QC15, much like the QC2 is not available in a wireless version. In this day and age of wireless connectivity with bluetooth headsets and stereo bluetooth headphones, I’m very surprised that there is no wireless option or version of the noise canceling headphones available. Having such an option or version would greatly enhance the overall experience, allowing us to enjoy the music anywhere in the home.

Earcups seal too well

One of the nice features of the QC15, much like the QC2 is the soft earcups as they comfortably rest on the side of the head and seal in the sound. With the memory foam, likely due to the faux leather composition, tends to stick to the skin a bit too well, thus after a while of wearing it, the ears may feel too warm and you get that sticky feeling when removing them after a while.

Not all background noise reduced

As mentioned in my QC2 review, the Bose QuietComfort line of headphones do not block and cancel out ALL NOISE but rather reduce many background noise and it’s dramatically better than the QC2. Many motor fans and other lower frequency noise would likely be reduced to a much lower level that it may not be very noticeable. But noise that change in frequency such as voices may not be very effectively canceled out or reduced. Again, don’t expect to not be able to hear nothing with them on, but you can definitely tell the difference when you turn it on and turn it off to compare the level of noise. Again, with regards to the noise canceling technology, the QC 15 is SO MUCH better than the QC2.

The best way to understand what noise or sounds gets blocked or reduced and what doesn’t is to try one on yourself, either at your local Bose retail store, or contact the online store to ship you one to try out. They do offer a 30 day trial period where you can return it for a full refund.

Ear feels “plugged” with headphones on

Unfortunately, the QC15 I received seem to be a bit uncomfortable for me. While I was perfectly fine wearing the QC2 for a full day, I felt uncomfortable only minutes after putting on the QC15. The first time I put on the earphones, it felt like if my ears were plugged, similar to the feeling when flying on an airplane flying with increasing altitude. If I pull out on the earphone, it feels better but I get that same “plugged ear” uncomfortable feeling shortly after putting the earcups on. I decided to swap the QC15 back for the QC2 and get the difference refunded back. But I was still very curious about this that I decided to order the QC15 from the online store and do this side by side comparison review to give you a better idea.

So, on a different QuietComfort 15 headphone, my experience has changed somewhat. This second QC 15 headphone was much better and more comfortable, if that’s even possible. I still experienced the “plugged ear” discomfort but it was not as DRAMATIC as I previously felt with the other QC15 headphone. With the first QC15, it was almost as soon as I put it on that I felt the “plugged ear” feeling. With the second one, it wasn’t as dramatic and I think it was much more comfortable.

After much thinking, I am speculating that it may very well be the combination of several things that caused the slight discomfort in my ears. These are pure speculation and ideas so please take those into account. If you take a look of the pictures with the two headphones placed with the headband on the left, you may be able to notice that the lesser angle of the earcups on the QC15 and the “V” shape it creates is more narrow than that of the QC2. Also, the memory foam on the earcups may seem to “collapse” more (than that of the foam pads on the QC 2) when placed on the sides of my head which may give the pushed in feel. In addition, and perhaps the most important part may be that the QC15 (and I’m only speculating) may be pushing air out when the memory foam collapses somewhat for the better seal. And, as such, it may be much better at creating that seal around the ears which forces my ears to feel the “plugged” feeling. All these factors may play a role in my “plugged ear” discomfort feeling. Mind you, my ears are quite sensitive as loud or sharp bangs or noises actually “hurt” my ears as I feel the pressure of the impact which causes the pain. So, it’s not that surprising that I am a bit more sensitive than others with respect to the ears. That may very well explain why I feel the discomfort when many others do not. But like I said, it may be individual headphone related as well, since the second QC 15 felt much better.

So, if you feel any discomfort with the QC15, I’d strongly suggest you try another headphone and see if it still feels similar or if it feels better. In my case, it seems the second QC15 headphone was MUCH BETTER. Now, I’m starting to reconsider… Nah. I’m very happy with the QC 2 and sticking with it even if the noise canceling isn’t as good. For me, comfort is the main thing, although this second QC 15 does feel better…

Noise Canceling microphone picks up wind

While driving with the windows on both sides rolled down with the QC15 headphones on, I noticed that I started hearing the fluffing or ruffling sound of the wind, something I didn’t notice on the QC2 when I had it on. It can be a bit annoying as you are putting on a set of “noise canceling” headphone so this wind ruffling noise can be a bit hard to take.

I have already demonstrated this in my wind test and you can hear for yourself the difference between the QC15 and QC2 with respect to having a fan or wind blowing on the side of the earcups. Although you can still hear some wind, it’s not as much as on the QC15, which I’m suspecting may be due to the microphone picking up the noise of the wind.

Although I was VERY impressed with the noise canceling technology of the newer QuietComfort 15, as mentioned already, I did not feel comfortable wearing them for some reason. As a result, after some consideration, I decided to swap them back for the QC2 (thankfully, Bose Vancouver still had them in stock). But, I forgot to do a test recording with the headphones before returning them. So, once I got the QC 2 back, I decided to order the QC15 online and now, you end up with the rare opportunity to show them side by side and make direct comparisons.

One last note. When I visited the Bose store in Vancouver, the salesman got me to demonstrate how well the headphones work simply by humming. I start humming with the headphones on me and then turn on the noise canceling. A dramatic difference. And keep in mind that a lot of what we hear when we talk or make noise is partly coming from internally. So, if the QuietComfort headphones can dramatically reduce the sound you hear, don’t you think it does a great job? You should try it too with your headphone or earbuds and see if they do a good job of blocking your voice.

Review Summary

The Bose QuietComfort 15 acoustic noise canceling headphone which has replaced the now discontinued QuietComfort 2 headphone offers a much enhanced and better noise canceling than its predecessor that many (including myself) can attest to. However, the package now only includes the airline audio adapter as an added accessory. As well, the courtesy card holder is a much cheaper looking alternative, a translucent plastic holder with a pair of velcro strips stuck at the back. However, if you consider the better noise canceling technology of the QC15, these accessories and slight packaging downgrade isn’t a big deal. Regardless, both the Bose QuietComfort 15 and QuietComfort 2 headphones are very good quality noise canceling or more like, noise reduction headphones that are highly recommended.

I have decided to stick with the QuietComfort 2 headphone (I own one) for the comfort, although I really LOVED the superior noise canceling that the QC15 headphones offered. Again, the discomfort I felt with the QC15 is very much my own personal experience and I am sure that many people will enjoy the QC15 without any discomfort. My suggestion is to try out the QC15 and take full advantage of their return policy (it may be 30 - 90 days depending on where you get yours) and decide whether it’s for you or not. I know that once I got my QC2 that I never looked back.

Don’t forget to check out my review of the Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones for more information on that headphone and on the mobile communications kit which will enable you to enjoy your headphone on your cell phone, smartphone, mp3 player.

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